Democrat Alan Lowenthal won a close race for the 47th Congressional District, which extends from Long Beach to Westminster.

The race against Republican Gary DeLong was close late into Tuesday night, as early votes were mostly from Orange County, which favors Republicans; the Los Angeles County portion of the district favors Democrats.

Democrats have a 9-percentage point advantage overall in the newly drawn district, the only Orange County congressional district without an incumbent and the most likely to be competitive.

But while Democrats had the edge in voter registration, DeLong went a long way toward leveling the playing field with superior fundraising. DeLong, a Long Beach councilman, raised $1.3 million and got more than $300,000 in additional advertising on his behalf from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Lowenthal, a state senator from Long Beach, raised $980,000.

In an even costlier race, Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerton, beat Haciencda Heights Democrat Jay Chen in the 39th district. Royce raised $2.6 million plus had more than $1 million left from previous election cycles. Chen raised $770,000 and Chen's brother, Shaw Chen, spent $1 million on the candidate's behalf through the America Shining PAC.

Long Beach city councilman Gary DeLong greets supporters at the Long Beach Yacht Club Tuesday night after the polls closed. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
California State Senator Alan Lowenthal walks into his election night party at La Traviata restaurant in downtown Long Beach Tuesday night after the polls closed. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Long Beach city councilman Gary DeLong, right, talks with supporters as he watches election returns at his election night party at the Long Beach Yacht Club Tuesday night after the polls closed. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
California State Senator Alan Lowenthal gets a hug from a supporter at La Traviata restaurant in downtown Long Beach Tuesday night after the polls closed. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
California State Senator Alan Lowenthal signs an autograph for a supporter at La Traviata restaurant in downtown Long Beach Tuesday night after the polls closed. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
California State Senator Alan Lowenthal gets a hug from supporter Margaret Smith at his election night party at La Traviata restaurant in downtown Long Beach Tuesday night after the polls closed. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Long Beach city councilman Gary DeLong watches election returns on television at his election night party at the Long Beach Yacht Club Tuesday night after the polls closed. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Long Beach city councilman Gary DeLong, right, greets supporters as his daughter, Katie smiles for photos at the Long Beach Yacht Club Tuesday night after the polls closed. SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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